South Florida is facing the worst drought in decades

Southern Florida is experiencing the worst drought since 2012, with nearly 80% of the state in extreme or exceptional conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The entity indicates that the crisis is depleting natural habitats, threatening the supply of drinking water, and fueling a wave of unprecedented wildfires.

Since September 2025, precipitation in the region has fallen below 50% of the usual average, prompting the South Florida Water Management District to issue a water shortage warning for the counties of Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, Glades, Highlands, and Lee on February 10, an area with nearly five million residents.

The Biscayne aquifer, the main source of freshwater in southern Florida, reached historic low levels in 2026, falling even below those recorded during the droughts of 2007, 2009, and 2011, further increasing the risk of saltwater intrusion that threatens the quality of drinking water.

In Miami-Dade, voluntary restrictions limit lawn watering to two days a week, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., with the risk of transitioning to mandatory restrictions if it does not rain significantly before May.

"Its effects are felt beyond our backyards; they impact tourism, agriculture, and the wildlife that relies on this delicate balance," emphasizes the entity.